Battling negative body image

According to the National Eating Disorders Association, as many as 10 million females and 1 million males in the United States are struggling with an eating disorder.

San Diego State Student Health Services professionals often see students who are battling eating disorders.

Registered dietician Tracy Daly said that many students come in seeking help for themselves or a friend.

“I am the only full-time registered dietician on campus and more than 80 percent of my patients have a body image, eating disorder or struggle with disordered eating,” Daly said.

While many people are struggling with an eating disorder, even more struggle with body image concerns.

“Negative body image is a common occurrence,” Daly said. “Being in such a health and image conscious environment can also lead to insecurities. There is an increasing tendency for this generation to feel that they don’t look good enough and that the standards are perfection.”

Because body image concerns are common, National Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2009 will have a different focus on campus this year. Instead of just focusing on eating disorder prevention, NEDAW activities will focus on promoting positive body image.

Psychology senior Ashley Frazier has been involved with the SDSU Peer Health Education Program for two and a half years and will be promoting and participating in NEDAW activities all week long.

“The cause is important to me because I have seen the negative consequences of poor body image in my family and friends as well as from firsthand experiences,” Frazier said. “I have watched some of my closest friends struggle with eating disorders and I also grew up with a mother who had anorexia nervosa.”

Frazier struggled with an eating disorder for eight years.

“It almost killed me and I want to do anything I can to help others not go through the hell I went through,” Frazier said. “I wasted so much of my life caring about calories, weight and exercise instead of caring about my friends, family or making my middle school and high school experiences filled with fun memories. I regret the time I wasted; however, I want to raise awareness and help others in any way that I can.”

One of the ways that Frazier is helping to increase awareness is by providing information. Frazier and others will be tabling today and throughout this week at Aztec Center and the Aztec Recreation Center. Providing information is a way to educate others about common misconceptions. Daly said that a common misconception about eating disorders and body image is that “it can just be stopped.”

“Almost all those struggling with eating disorders and body image need help from a team of experts: dietitian, medical doctor and psychologist for psychotherapy,” Daly said. “Eating disorders are a psychological addictive disorder, much like alcoholism, drug addiction or gambling. There appears to be a chemical imbalance with those who have addictive traits and only help from a team approach seems to be the best help.”

In addition to tabling, a film screening will take place at 1 p.m. tomorrow at West Commons Room 230. The body image documentary was made by two SDSU students who focused on body image on campus and interviewed students.
All events are free and open to all students, faculty and staff.

For a complete list of events, health services and tips, visit www.sa.sdsu.edu/atstate/2009-02/calendar-4.html.

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